A drunk who bombarded the police with abusive phone calls has been given an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

Matthew Taylor, 33, dialled 999 more than 30 times between March and August this year.

Magistrates heard unemployed Taylor, of Milnrow Road, Newbold, was often drunk and abusive during the conversations.

Reasons for the calls included a threat to assault his father, a request for police to pick up a toaster from his mother's house and a threat to smash police vehicles.

None of the calls were made for legitimate reasons.

In a statement submitted to court a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “The number and nature of calls made by Taylor has resulted in a disproportionate amount of police time and resources being deployed to deal with him.

“He has been abusive to both call takers and officers attending his home address and has never called the police for a legitimate reason.”

Taylor pleaded guilty to using a public electronic communications network for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety to another.

The ASBO bans him from making calls to police, ambulance or fire service except in a genuine emergency for two years.

He faces a fine or prison sentence of up to five years if he breaks it.

Coun Martin Burke, cabinet member for internal and environmental services, said: “Both the council and the police view improper use of the 999 system extremely seriously.

“Such incidents take up valuable police resources and could lead to someone with a genuine emergency having to wait longer than necessary for assistance.”